What is Prozac?

Prozac and the generic alternative fluoxetine is an antidepressant.  Prozac is used to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Prozac may also be prescribed along with another medication called olanzapine (Zyprexa) to treat manic depression caused by bipolar disorder.

This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Fluoxetine may lessen premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, increased appetite, and depression. It may decrease binging and purging behaviors in bulimia. 

How does Prozac work?

Fluoxetine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. These medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

You should see some improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. It may take 4 to 5 weeks before you feel the full benefit of this medicine.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. If you are taking this medication twice a day, your doctor may direct you to take it in the morning and at noon.
• Fluoxetine may be taken with or without food.
• Take Prozac at around the same time(s) every day.
• If you are taking fluoxetine for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct you to take it every day of the month or just for the 2 weeks before your period through the first full day of your period.
• It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor.
• If you miss a dose of Prozac, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your personal and family medical history especially of bipolar, manic-depressive disorders, personal or family history of suicide attempts or glaucoma.
• Your personal medical history of liver problems, diabetes, low sodium in the blood, dehydration, seizures, stomach or intestinal ulcers.
• If you are using marijuana.

Also be aware that:

• You should see some improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. It may take 4 to 5 weeks before you feel the full benefit.
• This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. You should avoid alcoholic beverages and marijuana.
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking this drug.
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding and loss of coordination. Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling. Older adults may also be more likely to develop low sodium in the blood.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
• If you have diabetes, fluoxetine may affect your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and share the results with your doctor.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Drowsiness, trouble sleeping, tiredness, or yawning.
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea or sweating.
• Dizziness or anxiety.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Unusual or severe mental or mood changes such as agitation, unusual high energy, excitement or thoughts of suicide.
• Easy bruising or bleeding.
• Seizures, muscle weakness, spasms or shakiness.
• Decreased interest in sex or changes in sexual ability.
• Unusual weight loss.
• Bloody, black or tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
• Change in the amount of urine.
• Eye pain, swelling or redness of the eyes, widened pupils or vision changes such as seeing rainbows around lights at night or blurred vision.
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as rashes, itching, swelling especially of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
• A painful or prolonged erection lasting over 4 hours.

Q: What is the generic alternative to Prozac?

A: The generic alternative to Prozac is called fluoxetine. You can save up to 90% on your medication cost through buying with us and could save even more by buying the generic alternative.

Q: What is the strength of Prozac?

A: Both Prozac and the generic alternative fluoxetine come in strengths of 10mg and 20mg.

Q: How long does it take Prozac to work?

A: You should see some improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. It may take 4 to 5 weeks before you feel the full benefit.

Q: What are the effects of alcohol and Prozac?

A: This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use You should avoid alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.